Riddick Bowe
Born: Aug. 10, 1968
Bouts: 44
Won: 43
Lost: 1
KOs: 33
Induction: 2015
Born Riddick Lamont Bowe on August 10, 1968 in Brooklyn, NY. The 6’ 5” Bowe compiled a 104-18 amateur record that included a super heavyweight silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.
“Big Daddy” turned pro in 1989 under the tutelage of Eddie Futch and wins over Garing Lane (TKO 4), Pinklon Thomas (TKO 8), Bert Cooper (TKO 2), Tyrell Biggs (TKO 8), Tony Tubbs (W 10), Bruce Seldon (KO 1), Elijah Tillery (W DQ 1, TKO 4), Everett Martin (TKO 5) and Pierre Coetzer (TKO 7) propelled him to a heavyweight title bout with undisputed champion Evander Holyfield. In 1992’s “Fight of the Year,” Bowe won a 12-round decision in a classic battle to become champion. Named 1992’s “Fighter of the Year” by The Ring and the BWAA, Bowe subsequently scored successful defenses over Michael Dokes (TKO 1) and Jesse Ferguson (KO 2). He engaged Holyfield in a 1993 rematch and “The Real Deal” regained the title via 12-round decision in about marred by “The Fan Man.” Bowe rebounded to win the WBO championship from Herbie Hide (KO 6) in 1995 before scoring an 8th round TKO over Holyfield in a 1995 rubber match to end their epic trilogy. Following a pair of controversial disqualification wins (W DQ 7, W DQ 9) against Andrew Golota in 1996, he fought sporadically before retiring in 2008.
Bowe utilized a long and punishing jab, terrific punching power and tremendous infighting ability to post a 43-1 (33 KOs) pro record.